Why Make This Recipe
Reese’s Peanut Butter Brownie Cupcakes are the ultimate treat for chocolate and peanut butter lovers alike. Combining the rich flavors of fudgy brownies with creamy peanut butter and the iconic Reese’s cups, this recipe is guaranteed to delight anyone who takes a bite. These cupcakes are not only delicious but are also perfect for any occasion, whether for casual gatherings, birthday parties, or simply as a sweet treat to enjoy at home. Plus, they are easy to make, which means you don’t need advanced baking skills to impress your friends and family with these adorable and tasty cupcakes.
How to Make Reese’s Peanut Butter Brownie Cupcakes
Making Reese’s Peanut Butter Brownie Cupcakes is a straightforward process, and with a little planning, you can whip up a batch quickly. Here’s a simple breakdown to get you started.
Ingredients
- 1 box fudgy brownie mix (18.4 oz, plus eggs, oil, and water called for on box)
- 12–15 pieces full-size Reese’s peanut butter cups, frozen
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 2–3 Tbsp heavy cream or milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
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Directions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Cupcake Tin
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is essential to ensure your cupcakes bake evenly. While the oven is heating up, you’ll need to line a standard cupcake tin with 12 to 15 paper liners. Using liners not only prevents sticking but also makes for an attractive presentation.
Step 2: Freeze the Reese’s Cups
To enhance the texture and distribute the peanut butter flavor, place your Reese’s cups in the freezer. This ensures that they hold their shape when you bake them into the cupcakes. It’s a small step, but it makes a big difference in the final result.
Step 3: Prepare the Brownie Mix
Next, prepare the brownie mix according to the package directions. This usually involves combining the mix with a specified amount of eggs, oil, and water. Stir everything together until it’s smooth and fully combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain the fudgy texture of the brownies.
Step 4: Fill the Cupcake Liners
Spoon about 1 tablespoon of brownie batter into each cupcake liner. Make sure that you don’t overfill them; you want the batter to be about one-third full. Then, take your frozen Reese’s cup and place one on top of the batter in each liner. Follow this by covering the Reese’s cup with additional brownie batter until the liner is about ¾ full. This layering technique allows the Reese’s to melt slightly into the brownie during baking, creating a delicious surprise in every cupcake.
Step 5: Bake the Cupcakes
Place the filled cupcake tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes. You want the edges to be set, but the tops should still look slightly soft. This will ensure a fudgy texture. Once done, let the cupcakes cool completely in the tin before transferring them to a wire rack.
Step 6: Prepare the Peanut Butter Frosting
While the cupcakes cool, it’s time to make the frosting. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and creamy peanut butter together until smooth and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes on a high setting. Gradually add in the sifted powdered sugar, followed by the heavy cream or milk and the vanilla extract. Continue mixing until everything is well combined, and the frosting is light, fluffy, and easily spreadable.
Step 7: Frost the Cupcakes
Once the cupcakes are completely cool, it’s time to frost them. You can either pipe the frosting using a pastry bag or simply spread it onto the cupcakes with a spatula. For an extra touch, consider garnishing the frosted cupcakes with chopped Reese’s pieces, mini chocolate chips, or a drizzle of chocolate syrup.
How to Serve Reese’s Peanut Butter Brownie Cupcakes
These cupcakes are fantastic as they are, but you can elevate the experience by serving them in fun ways. Consider serving them at room temperature or slightly chilled after refrigeration. Pair the cupcakes with a glass of cold milk or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly indulgent dessert. They are equally good for parties or family gatherings, making them a hit among guests, especially with kids.
How to Store Reese’s Peanut Butter Brownie Cupcakes
To keep your cupcakes fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They are best enjoyed within 2 to 3 days. If you plan to keep them for a more extended period, refrigerating them is a good option, though they may lose some of their fudginess. Before serving, you can lightly microwave them for about 10 to 15 seconds to restore some moisture and texture.
If you want to extend their shelf life, consider freezing the un-frosted cupcakes. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before storing them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you are ready to enjoy them, simply thaw and frost!
Tips to Make Reese’s Peanut Butter Brownie Cupcakes
Don’t Overmix the Brownie Batter: Overmixing can lead to tough brownies. Mix until just combined for the best texture.
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For the frosting, ensure your butter is at room temperature to achieve a smooth and creamy texture.
Chill Your Reese’s Cups: Freezing them allows the chocolate to hold its shape, preventing it from melting too much during baking.
Experiment with Toppings: If you want to switch things up, try different toppings like chopped nuts, crushed cookies, or even a sprinkle of sea salt to enhance the flavors.
Variation
While this recipe is undoubtedly delicious, you can make some adjustments to cater to your taste. Consider using different types of brownie mixes, like a more cake-like mix or even a gluten-free option. You could also replace the creamy peanut butter with crunchy peanut butter for added texture. For a twist, think about adding a layer of caramel sauce between the brownie batter and the Reese’s or using different types of chocolate candies instead of Reese’s.
FAQs
1. Can I use homemade brownie batter instead of a box mix?
Yes, you can definitely use homemade brownie batter. Just ensure that it’s a fudge-style recipe for the best result!
2. How should I store leftover cupcakes?
Store the cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 to 3 days. If longer storage is needed, keep them in the refrigerator or freeze without frosting.
3. Can I make these cupcakes in advance?
Absolutely! You can make the cupcakes a day or two ahead, and they store well. Just frost them right before serving for the best texture and flavor.
4. What if I don’t have heavy cream?
If you don’t have heavy cream, you can use milk. However, heavy cream will give your frosting a richer and creamier texture.
5. Do I need to sift the powdered sugar?
Sifting the powdered sugar is not strictly necessary, but it helps break up any clumps and ensures a smoother frosting. If you skip this step, just whisk it well before adding to the butter and peanut butter mixture.
Reese’s Peanut Butter Brownie Cupcakes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12-15 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious cupcake treats that combine fudgy brownies and creamy peanut butter, topped with Reese’s cups for an indulgent dessert.
Ingredients
- 1 box fudgy brownie mix (18.4 oz, plus eggs, oil, and water called for on box)
- 12–15 pieces full-size Reese’s peanut butter cups, frozen
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 2–3 Tbsp heavy cream or milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a standard cupcake tin with 12 to 15 paper liners.
- Freeze the Reese’s cups to maintain their shape while baking.
- Prepare the brownie mix according to the package directions until smooth.
- Spoon about 1 tablespoon of brownie batter into each cupcake liner, then add a frozen Reese’s cup on top.
- Cover the Reese’s cup with more brownie batter until the liner is about ¾ full.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, then let cool completely in the tin.
- Beat together the softened butter and peanut butter until smooth, then add powdered sugar, heavy cream or milk, and vanilla.
- Frost the cooled cupcakes and garnish as desired.
Notes
For best results, avoid overmixing the brownie batter and use room temperature ingredients for the frosting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: cupcakes, chocolate, peanut butter, dessert, brownies